The University of Toronto (U of T) seeks an outcomes-driven leader for the position of Director, Equity, Diversity & Inclusion (EDI) in the Division of Research & Innovation. With ongoing recognitions from national surveys including Canada’s Best Diversity Employers, Canada’s Top Family-Friendly Employers, and Canada’s Top 100 Employers, U of T offers a wonderful environment for an experienced EDI specialist to continue their impactful work. For more information about the University, visit https://www.utoronto.ca/.
Within the areas of research and innovation, unequivocally a pronounced focus on matters of diversity and inclusion is paramount. Diversity and inclusion, when brought into focus, improves creativity; enhances scientific discovery; and, leads to better problem solving as researchers work to solve some of the most pressing issues of our time. Reporting to the Associate Vice-President and Vice-Provost, Strategic Initiatives (AVPVP-SI) and under the general direction of the Executive Director, Equity, Diversity & Inclusion, the Director, Equity, Diversity & Inclusion will have an opportunity to work with stakeholders across the university’s three campuses to elevate research, innovation, and entrepreneurship at Canada’s top research university. More specifically, the incumbent will be responsible for analyzing, advocating, and advancing EDI matters as it relates to the University’s research and innovation enterprise; will serve on relevant Research and Innovation and campus-wide committees; and, in addition to leading training programs and workshops across campus will serve as an advisor and resource to the division as well as the overall institution. The Director will contribute to the Division’s EDI goals and activities, including: the Canada Research Chair (CRC) Program, U of T’s CRC EDI Action Plan, the EDI in Research and Innovation Working Group, and the Healthy Labs Initiative.
The ideal candidate has experience with, or a strong appreciation for, the particulars of federal research funding and programs, as well as a demonstrated understanding of legal and legislative frameworks related to equity, diversity, and inclusion. The incumbent also brings relevant experience in progressively senior leadership positions—intersecting with or managing an EDI portfolio—and preferably in a research-intensive, university or public sector environment. The successful candidate has strong verbal, written, interpersonal, facilitation, and mediation skills; experience working with a diverse group of stakeholders, ideally in a unionized setting; the ability to exercise sound judgment, tact, and diplomacy; the ability to manage multiple, competing, and frequently changing priorities; and a broad vision for the role of diversity in enhancing institutional excellence.
The University of Toronto is strongly committed to diversity within its community and especially welcomes applications from racialized persons / persons of colour, women, Indigenous / Aboriginal People of North America, persons with disabilities, LGBTQ persons, and others who may contribute to the further diversification of ideas. In accordance with the AODA Act, accommodation will be provided throughout the recruitment process to applicants with disabilities.
The University of Toronto invites applications from all qualified candidates; however, Canadian citizens and permanent residents will be given priority. U of T is partnering with BIPOC Executive Search to ensure an applicant list that has greater representation from Black, Indigenous, and People of Colour, thereby reflecting Canada’s diverse population. Interested applicants can send their resume to Candice Frederick or Jason Murray by February 9, 2021 at cfrederick@bipocsearch.com.
We thank everyone for their expression of interest—and are truly appreciative of the time individuals put into applying—but with the limitations of time only those selected for an interview will be contacted.